Member Spotlight: Sanct Salon

At Local First, we believe that behind every local business is a story — a person who chose to invest their creativity, energy, and passion into our community. This month, we’re highlighting Sanct Salon, a Durango salon founded by stylist and owner Kendra Lise, who created a space centered on care, sustainability, connection, and thoughtful beauty.

We chatted with Kendra to learn more about her journey, her vision for Sanct Salon, and why being part of the local business community matters.

Tell us a little about Sanct Salon. What inspired you to start it?

The emergence of Sanct Salon is as much of a surprise to me as it is a dream realized. The first idea came during a school project at the Aveda Institute in Denver in 2011. The spark that got our doors open quickly in 2025 was the need for an allergen-free space due to complications from an autoimmune condition. With autoimmune disease on the rise in the United States, I knew there had to be clients in Durango who needed the kind of salon I needed to work in. Maddie Cook heard this idea and jumped in with me.

She has been essential in Sanct Salon coming to life since day one. If I could have spoken into reality the perfect stylist to join me in this venture, it would be Maddie. We are very lucky to have her talent, vision, and cool, calm demeanor.

What makes Sanct Salon unique?

In our first year of business, the most common comments we hear are: “Wow, it smells so good in here, not like a salon,” and “I love how it feels in here”.

We use ammonia-free hair color and styling products with organic, low-toxic ingredients. I have worked with clean products in salons all over the country, and that has allowed me to narrow down the most effective and best-smelling brands. We also have hypoallergenic (scentless) shampoo and conditioner.

While the chemicals we use are important to us, so is the atmosphere. From the music we play to silent appointment offerings to weighted blankets and neck wraps, we want clients to feel at ease during their hair appointment.

Behind the scenes, you’ll find us separating hair foils, gloves, and hair clippings and shipping them off to be repurposed. We are a Green Circle Salons member because we believe strongly in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

We wish to be light on the earth, and nice to your hair and your heart.

Why is being part of the local business community important to you?

Becoming a business owner has shown me the responsibility of having a business worthy of this special community. When asked what I love about Durango, I tell people that we are neighbors who love being in the mountains. It is a special thing to be united by a place we love.

Connecting to other businesses in the community allows us to lift each other up, share clients, and ideas. This encourages a thriving community that everyone benefits from, including patrons/clients. I love seeing the unique ways Durango businesses contribute to its personality as a whole.

What’s next for Sanct Salon?

There is something very exciting in the works that we can’t tell you yet! Stay tuned.

Visit Sanct Salon

Sanct Salon brings together care, sustainability, and connection in an allergen-conscious, thoughtfully curated space in the heart of Durango. We’re grateful to have them as part of the Local First community.

Visit them at 2855 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301. Learn more or book an appointment at www.sanctsalon.com, and follow along on Instagram to stay connected with their work and community.